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Board adopts rule setting timeline for adding tribal representatives to local boards of health
Summary
The board adopted amendments to WAC 246‑90 to clarify appointment processes and require local jurisdictions to modify membership within 90 days after a tribal representative is appointed; staff will follow CR 103 adoption procedures.
The State Board of Health adopted changes to chapter WAC 246‑90 to clarify how tribal representatives are appointed to local boards of health and to set timelines for modifying local board membership when tribal representatives are added. Board staff said the rule implements 2025 legislation (ESHB 1946) and requires local jurisdictions to modify membership within 90 days after a tribe or urban Indian health organization appoints a representative.
"The proposed rule would require local jurisdictions to modify board membership within 90 days of a tribal representative's appointment and to notify the American Indian Health Commission upon such appointment," Deputy Director and tribal liaison Ashley Bell summarized during the staff briefing. Member Ashley Matthews moved to adopt the proposed updates as published in WSR 26‑091‑104, directing staff to follow a CR 103 order of adoption and to set an effective date for the rules; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Board members asked for continued outreach to affected local jurisdictions and emphasized that the rule is narrowly scoped to appointment timelines and does not alter exemption criteria or other local processes.
